YOUTH REPORTS

Our youth team bowed out of the FA Youth Cup at the fourth round stage, slipping to a single goal defeat at the hands of Birmingham City.

The only goal of the match came from the penalty spot twenty minutes from time.

“There wasn’t too much to choose between the sides,” said Youth Team Manager Alan Walsh, “we both had spells in the game when we were on top, though neither side was able to create any really clearcut goalscoring opportunities.

“I don’t recall either goalkeeper having a great save to make, and everything they had to do was pretty much routine stuff.

“Had it been a league game and finished goalless, I think we would all have said that it was a fair result. There really was nothing to choose between the sides and so it was disappointing that the tie was decided by a penalty.

“I didn’t have a clear view of the incident, and I haven’t seen it since, but the referee said that one of the Birmingham lads had his legs taken from under him and that’s why the spot kick was awarded.”

Whilst his team managed to prevent Birmingham from playing, they did so to the detriment of their own game.

“I would have preferred it if we could have got our own game going a little bit better, but while we enjoyed a few decent spells we didn’t really put Birmingham under any sustained periods of pressure.

“In order to win games you need to be creating chances, whether that’s from crosses, or individuals getting past their marker. Unfortunately, we weren’t able to do that and apart from a couple of half chances in the opening period, we didn’t really threaten their goal.

“It was the same with Birmingham, and had it not been for the penalty I don’t think either side would have scored. We did do our best to get back on level terms after they scored, but we still couldn’t manage a decent effort on target.”

There was a return to winning ways just two days after the defeat against Birmingham, as the side registered a comfortable league win against Yeovil Town.

On target for Alan Walsh’s side were Aaron Ward-Baptiste (3) Tom Lockyer and one of the Yeovil players!

“We made a few changes to the starting lineup,” said Alan, “and gave a few other players an opportunity, so we did well to record a 5-0 win.

“Aaron scored our first goal, from the penalty spot, after Tom Lockyer was scythed down in the box, while our second goal was scored by a Yeovil defender who sliced Connor Finn’s cross into the roof of his own net.

“Two goals ahead at the break, we extended our lead in the second half when Aaron cut inside, beat his man, and fired a shot into the far corner. However his third, and our fourth, goal was fantastic. Had it been scored in the Premiership, you would have seen countless replays.

“Josh Southway broke down the right and whipped a superb low cross where Aaron, with his back to goal, backheeled it and the ball flew into net for a really good goal.

Our fifth, and final, goal came from a set piece. A corner hit to the far post was headed back to Tom Lockyer and he scored with well executed half volley.

“We managed to play some good football on a very difficult pitch. The lads showed a good attitude, and I can’t fault them for their effort and work rate.”

The game gave Alan the opportunity to give two of our U-16 players some game time and Laurent Davis-Wilson and substitutes Donovan Wilson and Jay Malpass all put in good performances.

The side are in action again today when they take on Cheltenham Town in their Alliance Youth Cup Quarter Final at the Friends Provident Training Ground (KO 2.00pm).

“It would be nice to get a good performance, and progress in that competition,” said Alan, adding; “we have a fully fit squad to choose from and will go into the match with a little bit of confidence gained from Saturday’s win against Yeovil.